How do I get a share code ? Expand To receive a share code you will need to visit https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
I have lost access to my account. What do I need to do? Expand To recover your account you will need to visit - Recover your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account - Recover account - GOV.UK (homeoffice.gov.uk) You will need the below information: Details of the identity document you use to sign in to your UKVI account (your passport, national identity card, or biometric residence card or permit) Your date of birth You can also call the UKVI on 0300 790 6268. You will need access to your phone number and email address - security codes will be sent to them to verify The identity document number associated with the account or your unique application number (UAN) - this is useful but not essential
How do I keep my personal details updated? Expand Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details: Update your UKVI account details - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) To sign in and update your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, you’ll need: Your identity document - your passport, national identity card, or biometric residence card or permit Access to your phone or email address - you’ll get a security code to confirm your identity To sign in, use the identity document and contact details you gave when you applied, unless you have already used this service to update them. If you’re updating your name, date of birth or nationality, you’ll also need an identity document that proves the change is needed.
I have been unable to resolve an issue with my eVisa Expand If you have reported the issue and are still unable to resolve your issue. You can raise a complaint via https://www.gov.uk/complain-uk-visas-immigration
When will I receive my eVisa? Expand You will receive your eVisa within 14 working days of being granted leave to remain in the UK. Please see more information on eVisa including reporting errors and accessing share codes here: https://www.migranthelpuk.org/pages/faqs/category/evisa-newly-granted-refugees
How can I apply for Universal Credit? Expand You can apply for Universal Credit if you are under the UK state pension age, not in full time employment, and need help with living costs. The current state pension age is 66, but please note that this will increase from 2026 onwards. You are able to apply for Universal Credit as soon as you receive your positive decision. You will have to prove your identity once you have applied. You can prove your status with your eVisa. You can apply for Universal Credit in the following ways: Citizens Advice | Help to Claim service This can help with the early stages of your Universal Credit application, including making the application, interview guidance and advice on problems with payments.• England - 0800 144 8444 • Wales - 0800 241 220 • Scotland - 0800 023 2581 • Not available in Northern IrelandUniversal Credit Helpline (you can ask for an interpreter) • England, Wales, and Scotland - 0800 328 5644 • Northern Ireland - 0800 012 1331Universal Credit online You can also apply online, you’ll need: your bank, building society or credit union account details, an email address and access to a phone. If you do not have these, you can call the Universal Credit helpline or go to a jobcentre. You can also get support from the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service. Universal Credit takes five weeks to be paid. Please ask about the advance payment at your first interview if you need to receive payments sooner; or if you have already had your first interview you can phone the Universal Credit Service Centre Helpline to ask for this.
Do I need a bank account? Expand You will need a bank account to receive Universal Credit. Your eVisa (share code) and proof of address will be required to open an account. Please see the following online banks: Monzo Monese Starling Bank Revolut Chase Bank UK Alternatively, you can apply for a bank account on the high street, at places such as Lloyds Bank and Nationwide Building Society.
How do I secure housing? Expand If you require support with housing, you will need to approach the local housing options and/or homelessness team at the local council as soon as possible. The local council housing options team may not be able to provide you with housing. Please ensure you update them when you receive your ‘Notice to Quit’ letter that shows your eviction. Private rented accommodation is an alternative to local council accommodation. Find your local council Local housing allowance rates Your Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate is the maximum amount of housing benefit you can get, based on factors like your local area and your household size, when renting from a private landlord. To find out more about your LHA rate by postcode or Local Authority, filter by city and bedroom requirements on the links below: UK, Scotland & Wales Northern Ireland More information on Local Housing Allowance can be found at Local Housing Allowance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Private accommodation/landlords (filter by city and bedroom requirements) DSS Move DSSaccepted Zoopla Rightmove Homefinder UK Nuroa If you secure private accommodation you may be able eligible for a discretionary housing payment from the council, to support with rental deposits and your first months rent. Please find more information below, entering your postcode where required for the correct amount: England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland You can apply for a refugee integration loan to pay for: A rent deposit or rent Household items Education and training for work If you are claiming a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit you may be eligible for support towards your housing costs. Once you are liable to pay your rent, please ensure you declare this to Universal Credit. Refugee Integration Loan Ensure you sign it then scan or photograph the completed form, along with supporting documents, and email them to the Home Office. Make sure you provide your National Insurance number. You should also provide: Your eVisa (share code) A bank statement, or letter confirming your bank details
How do I get a National Insurance number? Expand If you have an eVisa, you may have a National Insurance number already. It will be linked to your account or on the email you have received. If you don’t have a National Insurance number yet or don’t remember it, you can still apply for Universal Credit. You can also call the National Insurance number application line on 0800 141 2079 (England, Scotland and Wales) or 0800 587 0024 (Northern Ireland). Ask whether they issued you with a National Insurance number. If they haven’t, you can ask what you need to do to apply for one.
Will the Home Office extend my support? Expand In limited circumstances, support may be reinstated or extended following a discontinuation. If you believe there is a reason for your support to be reinstated or extended, please contact Migrant Help who will submit your request to the Home Office. The Home Office should respond to your request within 5 working days where all relevant information has been provided. Common scenarios where an extension or reinstatement may be required include: where a decision or discontinuation of support has not been served in line with policy specific safeguarding or health reasons that are reviewed by the safeguarding team or medical expert and determined that support should not be discontinued court orders and appeals where someone has been granted leave and issued an eVisa, but there is an error on the eVisa which means the individual is unable to use it (Please note: The home office will automatically consider extending support when looking into the eVisa issue.) The Home Office will consider each request for a reinstatement or extension of support on a case-by-case basis. eVisas If you identify an error on your eVisa you must report these to the Home Office immediately, or within 10 days where not possible, using the Report an Error service on GOV.UK. The Home Office will then consider whether support should be reinstated or extended. You do not need to contact Migrant Help to make this request. For more information about reinstatements and extensions of support, see the Ceasing Asylum Support guidance on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ceasing-asylum-support-instruction
Job Centre Plus Work Coach Expand If you are receiving Universal Credit and are job ready you will be provided with the details of a Job Centre Plus Work Coach. The Work Coach will support with job searching, connect you with potential employers, find you training programmes, support with your CV and help with interview techniques.
What documents do I need for my Universal Credit application or housing appointments? Expand NTQ showing your end of support/eviction date. Bank account details (if you don’t have one contact the Citizens Advice (CAB) Help to Claim service for further guidance. See Universal Credit section above for contact details). Details of any income and savings. Details of any work you are planning to start. The CAB Help to Claim service can provide guidance on documents required as part of their service. England - 0800 144 8444 Wales - 0800 241 220 Scotland - 0800 023 2581 Not available in Northern Ireland
Other services Expand You can download an app called RefAid. RefAid is a mobile app, that shows you nearby services, with a very simple interface. You can search for support with ESOL, housing, social engagement, food banks and employment support in your area. Northern Ireland - LawCentreNI Refugee Transition Guide Northern Ireland – Housing Executive Wales – Welsh Refugee Council For support with Accessing your eVisa / Obtaining a share code more information can be found here: https://www.migranthelpuk.org/pages/faqs/category/evisa-newly-granted-refugees
Room sharing Expand Your accommodation is managed by an accommodation provider who will be your first point of contact when you arrive. You will have the opportunity to raise any concerns during the induction process at your accommodation. See below for further details: Albanian Amharic Arabic Chinese English Kurdish Pashto Punjabi Somali Turkish Urdu Vietnamese
When is a good time to make my Will? Expand The sooner, the better. Having a Will gives you peace of mind that you’ve provided for your loved ones — and, if you choose, for a cause you care about.
Do I need to use a solicitor? Expand Yes — it’s wise to use a professional so your Will is valid. Our Free Will Pack connects you directly with a qualified solicitor through the National Free Wills Network. You can have an in-person appointment or a video call — all at no cost.If you’d prefer to find your own solicitor, you can search through the Law Society. Get your Free Will Pack
Are there different types of gifts I can leave? Expand Yes: Residuary gift: A share of what’s left after loved ones are provided for (often the most flexible). Pecuniary gift: A specific sum of money. Specific gift: A particular item, such as property, shares, or personal belongings.
Can I support my family and leave a gift? Expand Absolutely. Supporting your loved ones always comes first. After ensuring they’re provided for, even 1% of your estate left to Migrant Help can transform lives.
Can I support more than one charity? Expand Yes. You can include more than one charity in your Will, either by splitting percentages or by naming specific amounts.
I already have a Will — can I still include Migrant Help? Expand Yes. You can update your Will with a simple amendment (called a “codicil”), or you can create a new Will using our Free Will Pack.
Could leaving a gift reduce Inheritance Tax? Expand Yes. Gifts to UK-registered charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax. If you leave at least 10% of your estate to charity, the tax rate may be reduced from 40% to 36%.
When should I tell you I’m leaving a gift in my Will? Expand You don’t have to tell us — it’s completely your choice. But if you’d like to, it gives us the chance to thank you and keep you updated. Circumstances can always change, and that’s fine. [email protected]
How does it work? Expand Request your Free Will Pack. You’ll be sent a pack with a list of local participating solicitors and a voucher (declaration form). Choose a solicitor from the list and book your appointment — in person, by phone, or online. Take your voucher to the appointment. The solicitor will draft your simple Will for free.
Am I eligible? Expand Free Wills Month (March & October): open to people aged 55 and over. Migrant Help’s year-round Free Wills Service: available to anyone aged 18+ living in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.